Producers Notes:These performances were recorded in complete takes, and
later broadcast as part of the B.B.C.'s Third Programme series
Organ Music from English Cathedrals and Abbeys, during 1952, on
medium wave, three years before the introduction of V.H.F. or
F.M as we now refer to it. They were recorded on magnetic tape
and then transferred by the B.B.C. to 331/3 r.p.m. transcription
discs, from which these recordings are taken, the original master
tapes have long since vanished. At this time, during the transition
from 78 r.p.m. record to 331/3 r.p.m. L.P. record, relatively
little organ music was recorded commercially, and although B.B.C.
radio were broadcasting organ recitals frequently, very few of
these transmissions survive, making these recordings rare and
precious gems. Extracts from the spoken announcements have been
retained to add period feel. I am grateful to Timothy Day of
the National Sound Archives, London, who brought these recordings
to my attention also thanks to Enid Bird of Wakefield for her
biographical notes on the performers, which are reproduced by
kind permission from her book - Twentieth Century British Cathedral
Organists.Martin Monkman, Amphion Recordings, August 2004

The Organs at the time of the recordings
St. Paul's London: 'Father' Smith - 1679. In 1872, 'Father' Henry
Willis complete re build with further by modifications by Willis
in 1897 and 1900. More alterations by Henry Willis III in 1930.
Hereford Cathedral: Built by 'Father' Henry Willis in 1892, replacing
the Gray & Davison instrument of 1862-64, only the pipe-rack
forming the case of the present organ survives. Further modifications
made in 1909 by Henry Willis II and rebuilt by Henry Willis III
in 1933.
Gloucester Cathedral: 'Father' Henry Willis 1847 (including pipework
from 1666 ­ Thomas Harris. Rebuilt by Willis, 1889 and Harrison
& Harrison, 1920 and as heard here no longer exists.
Winchester Cathedral: Core of this organ by 'Father' Henry Willis
built for the Great Exhibition of 1851. When installed in Winchester
it was reduced to 49 stops spread over four-manuals. Rebuilt
and enlarged by Willis again 1897, with some tonal alterations.
Enlarged by the firm of Hele in 1905. 1938 rebuilt Harrison
& Harrison.
Salisbury Cathedral: 'Father' Henry Willis 1877, uncharged to
this day.
Durham Cathedral: 'Father' Henry Willis 1876/7. Rebuilt 1905
by Harrison & Harrison, with further additions by them in
1935, the organ remains in their care.
York Minster: Built 1831 by Elliott & Hill and entirely reconstructed
by the same firm in 1863. Work carried out by Walkers & Sons
in 1903. 1916 alterations by Harrison & Harrison who completely
rebuilt the instrument in 1930.